NBC News: Obama wins presidency; says Ohio to Obama

NBC News has called the presidential race for Obama; also declares Obama winner in Ohio.

President Barack Obama has won Ohio again, capturing the swing state after a hard-fought battle with Republican Mitt Romney.

Obama, who also won Ohio in 2008, claims the swing state's 18 electoral votes. Both sides poured major time and resources into the battleground state that has been among the nation's most contested in recent presidential elections.

It was considered pivotal for both, and likely crucial to Romney's chances.

No Republican has won the White House without Ohio. The last president elected despite losing Ohio was Democrat John F. Kennedy in 1960.

Ohio has been site of much of the advertising spending by the campaigns and outside supporters. It also was among the most-visited states by the campaigns.